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Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Coral Scottish Grand National
Scotland’s richest Jumps race returns to Ayr in April – here’s your complete guide
The Scottish Grand National stands as one of the most testing and prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar. A demanding challenge for both horse and rider, the race is renowned for its relentless pace, punishing distance, and strategic complexity. Held annually at Ayr Racecourse, it attracts a strong field of stayers from both sides of the Irish Sea and regularly serves as a fascinating postscript to the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.
With its rich heritage and high stakes, the Scottish Grand National is a highlight of the spring jumping season and a must-watch for racing fans across the UK. Here’s your full guide to the 2025 renewal, including how to watch, race time, and a look back at the race’s remarkable history.
🗓️ Scottish Grand National 2025 – Key Details
- Date: Saturday, 12th April 2025
- Venue: Ayr Racecourse, South Ayrshire, Scotland
- Scheduled Start Time: 15:35 BST
- Race Distance: Approximately 4 miles (3m 7f 176y)
- Number of Fences: 27 obstacles
- Prize Fund: £150,000+ (subject to confirmation)
The race headlines a brilliant two-day meeting at Ayr, which typically features a strong supporting card including the Scottish Champion Hurdle and various high-quality handicaps.
📺 How to Watch the 2025 Scottish Grand National
Fans in the UK will be able to enjoy live coverage of the Scottish Grand National on ITV1, as part of their comprehensive Saturday racing programme. The race will also be available to stream live via various bookmaker betting apps, allowing punters to follow all the action from wherever they are.
🏇 2025 Runners and Riders: Who’s in the Frame?
As of now, entries remain open, and the full list of confirmed 2025 Scottish Grand National Runners and Riders will be revealed closer to race day. However, early speculation suggests a strong line-up is expected, with a number of horses who contested the Cheltenham Festival or missed Aintree likely to be aimed at Ayr as a final spring target.
Trainers often view the Scottish National as a more suitable long-distance test for horses that may not quite match the intensity of Aintree’s Grand National, yet possess the stamina and jumping ability to excel over an extended trip. British trainers in particular often target this race as a prestigious and achievable goalpost after a long campaign.
Keep an eye on racing press and official entries in the weeks to come, as top names such as Nigel Twiston-Davies, Lucinda Russell, Paul Nicholls, and Nicky Henderson often field competitive runners here.
🏆 What Makes the Scottish Grand National So Unique?
Unlike its more famous Merseyside counterpart, the Scottish Grand National is run over regulation fences, rather than the unique spruce-covered obstacles seen at Aintree. However, it remains a brutally tough test, requiring stamina, balance, and tactical awareness across nearly four miles.
The large field, sharp turns and long run-in at Ayr make it a race where positioning, patience and rhythm are key. Horses that can settle into a steady gallop, conserve energy, and make a move late in the race tend to thrive.
📚 A Brief History of the Scottish Grand National
The Scottish Grand National boasts a rich and storied history dating back to the 19th century. Here are some key moments and milestones:
- The race was first run in 1858, originally under the title of the West of Scotland Grand National. The earliest editions were held at Houston, near Paisley, over a challenging course featuring stone walls and natural country fences.
- In 1867, the race moved to Bogside Racecourse near Irvine, and it was officially renamed the Scottish Grand National.
- After Bogside’s closure in 1965, the race found its permanent home at Ayr Racecourse, where it has remained ever since. The track’s modern facilities and fair layout have helped the race go from strength to strength.
- Red Rum, the most famous Grand National winner of all time, also claimed victory in the Scottish equivalent in 1974 – the only horse to win both in the same season, further cementing his legendary status.
- Lucinda Russell became the first female trainer to win the race in its modern form when One For Arthur stormed to victory in 2017—just weeks before he went on to win the Aintree Grand National as well.
- Recent winners have included tough staying types such as Kitty’s Light (2023), Takingrisks (2019) and Joe Farrell (2018), all of whom excelled under patient rides and well-timed finishing kicks.
The race continues to be a crucial stepping stone for emerging staying chasers and a fitting grand finale to the National Hunt season in Scotland.
📣 Final Word
The 2025 Coral Scottish Grand National promises all the thrills and drama that fans have come to expect from this iconic race. With a competitive field, passionate crowd, and top-quality action on show, Ayr will once again take centre stage in the world of jump racing this April.
Whether you’re attending in person, tuning in from home, or placing a hopeful flutter, the Scottish Grand National remains one of the season’s great spectacles—where dreams are chased, stamina is tested, and legends are made.
